Saar Jews Await Extension of German Indemnification Laws

October 24, 1956

SAARBRUECKEN (Oct. 23)

The Jews who make their home in this industrial region between France and Germany privately view with considerable uneasiness the forthcoming reunion–scheduled for January 1, 1957–of the Saar territory and Germany. Meanwhile, the Synagogue Community of the Saar has announced that it expects German indemnification legislation for individual victims of Nazism to be extended to the Saar some time next year.

The Synagogue Community, which is the representative Jewish body in the Saar territory, notes that no date has been set on which indemnification legislation will become effective for present and former Saarlanders. The question is still open whether special transitory regulations will be issued.

Indemnification claims should be filed at this time already, the Synagogue Community recommends. Applications from present or former Saarlanders who currently reside in any European country should be addressed to the Indemnification Agency in Cologne. The office having jurisdiction for ex-Saarlanders who now maintain a permanent residence overseas is the Indemnification Agency in Neustadt.

Indemnification payments already received from the Saar authorities will be deducted from future indemnification awards by the proper West German agencies, it is indicated.